Upton Racing

Our Sponsor Loses One of its Own

Thompson Auto Repair & Towing of Mesa, which is owned and operated by Bryan Vivian, lost one of its popular and caring tow truck drivers on Friday, August 1, 2008, in a horrid accident while helping a customer. Jesse Gault, age 44, a 20-year veteran of the U. S. Navy, was called to assist a female motorist in changing a tire at Gilbert Road and Highway 202. Just as Jesse had completed the tire change, a heavy truck veered into the emergency lane, striking the tow truck and sending it smashing into the customer’s vehicle. Jesse and his customer, a nurse at a local hospital, were both killed instantly.

Just a week prior to the accident, Jesse was called on to assist me when my car failed to start. Jesse did his job in the most professional manner and then proceeded to act like a friend by driving me to my home before taking my car to Thompson’s for service. This little extra makes the loss of Jesse more personal and poignant to me.

Today, Thursday, August 7, 2008, Jesse was memorialized in a special service. Late this evening, after the service, the tow truck drivers serving the East Valley, about 70 strong, gave Jesse a final tribute with a parade through Mesa and Gilbert. Judy and I were moved by the solemnity of the funeral procession and the solidarity that exists among the emergency highway drivers, men and women that most of us never give a thought to until we are stranded.

Goodbye, Jesse and may God speed you to a better place.

Justin Upton Racing, LLC

Larry

Justin Upton Racing has adopted the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund as its charitable partner. The Fund, which became incorporated into law under Arizona Revised Statutes 41-608, and administered by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, was established to benefit the veterans of the State of Arizona. By law, the tax-deductible donations in the fund can never revert to the State General Fund. It will always be used for Arizona’s veterans.

Justin Upton Racing plans to engage in activities to raise funds for the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund, and we encourage our fans, friends, and sponsors to join us in this cause.

Effective January 15, 2007, the State of Arizona has authorized the Motor Vehicle Department to make available to any resident of Arizona a new license plate called, “The Freedom Plate.” The cost of this plate is $25.00 plus all applicable licensing fees. For every license plate sold, the Motor Vehicle Department will contribute $17.00 to the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund.

Go to the Arizona Department of Transportation website at www.servicearizona.com for instructions on how you can obtain your Freedom Plate.

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